(Washington, DC)  Judicial Watch, the public interest group that investigates and prosecutes government corruption, today released documents obtained under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) concerning the Foreign Agricultural Service’s involvement with the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America (SPP).
 
The records, released November 2006, detail the U.S., Canadian and Mexican members of the trilateral task force, as well as contact information for all parties.  Overall issues for the trilateral task force are enumerated, to include detailed charts listing individual objectives, departments, milestones, deliverables and timelines for completion.

The issues and objectives of the SPP trilateral task force are sweeping.  A sampling of the subjects include:  food safety; nutrition; drugs; biologics; medical devices; compliance enforcement; combating health fraud; veterinary products; pesticide use; plant pest and disease issues; meat, poultry and processed egg products; food packaging and labeling standards; food additives and contaminants; fish and seafood products; as well as dairy, fruits, vegetables and processed foods – just to name a few.

The deliverables and timetables for the SPP trilateral task force include specific processes, reports and the establishment of laboratory working groups, dating from June 2005 through March 2007.

“These documents show the complexity and intricate nature of the Security and Prosperity Partnership,” said Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton.  “Judicial Watch seeks transparency and openness in the Partnership so that Americans can come to informed conclusions about the activities of their government and its bureaucracies.” 

Previously, Judicial Watch released documents obtained under FOIA from the International Trade Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce concerning the “Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America.”  The Commerce Department also provided substantial documentation concerning the North American Competitiveness Council, which consists of 30 members, 10 each from the United States, Mexico and Canada.

On March 23, 2005, heads of government Vincente Fox, George W. Bush, and Paul Martin launched the North American partnership at a meeting in Waco, Texas, with the expressed goal of “a safer, more prosperous North America.”  Critics, however, maintain the partnership may ultimately undermine U.S. sovereignty by establishing a “North American Union,” with open borders and a common currency.

###

Click here to view the documents.

Click here to read more information on the SPP.